 September 14–18, 2026, is SepticSmart Week, an annual effort to remind homeowners that taking care of their septic systems is an important part of protecting public health and our water resources.
For residents of the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes, septic system maintenance is especially important. A properly functioning septic system treats household wastewater before it reaches groundwater. When a system is poorly maintained or fails, bacteria, nutrients and other pollutants can enter groundwater and eventually make their way into nearby lakes and streams. What Can Homeowners Do? The good news is that regular maintenance and a few simple practices can help keep septic systems working properly and reduce the potential impact on our lakes. Inspect and pump regularly. Have your septic system professionally inspected on a regular schedule and have the tank pumped when necessary. The appropriate schedule depends on the size of your tank, household use and other factors. Conserve water. Spreading out laundry and other high-water-use activities and fixing leaking faucets or toilets can reduce the amount of water entering your septic system. Using water efficiently helps prevent the system from becoming overloaded. Be careful what goes down the drain. Your septic system is designed to handle wastewater—not household chemicals or trash. Never flush wipes, even those labeled "flushable," and avoid putting grease, oils, paints, solvents, pesticides and other chemicals down the drain. Protect your drain field. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment and structures off the drain field. Avoid directing roof drains or sump-pump discharge toward the area. Excess water can interfere with the system's ability to properly treat wastewater. Know where your system is located. If you don't know the location of your septic tank and drain field, find out. Knowing where they are makes regular inspection and maintenance easier and helps prevent accidental damage. Every Septic System MattersProtecting the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes requires all of us to do our part. Proper septic maintenance is one simple way homeowners can help reduce pollutants entering our groundwater and waterways. This SepticSmart Week, take a few minutes to learn about your septic system—and make sure it is working for you and for the health of our lakes. For more information and septic-care resources like Michigan's Septic Replacement Loan Program, visit the EGLE SepticSmart webpage or the EPA septic website,
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 The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding consumers to not move firewood long distances this holiday weekend to help prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases. The agencies are also working to expand access to certified invasive-free firewood. Firewood movement is one of the most common pathways for the spread of invasive insects and diseases. The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s longstanding “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign asks Michiganders to purchase firewood at or near their destination and choose certified products whenever possible. Certified invasive-free firewood has been heat-treated to neutralize invasive pests and diseases, making it safe to transport. “Michigan’s forests, parks and natural areas are among our state’s most treasured assets,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “By choosing certified invasive-free firewood, consumers can play an important role in protecting those resources and preventing the spread of harmful pests and diseases.” To expand the “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign, MDARD and DNR have teamed up to help Michigan producers and suppliers become certified through the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program. To expand the “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign, MDARD and DNR have teamed up to help Michigan producers and suppliers become certified through the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program. “Local producers who become certified show they care about Michigan’s forests and the future availability of wood products,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “They also help to provide consumers with a safe firewood option, no matter where they travel in the state.” More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt, are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally. Once established, these pests are extremely difficult or even impossible to eradicate.  Invasive species can:
Consumers are encouraged to look for Michigan’s “Certified Invasive Free” seal or the U.S. Department of Agriculture certification shield on packaging to ensure that firewood has been heat-treated to prevent invasive species spread. Producers or suppliers who wish to become certified should reach out to the Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program. For more information about actions Michigan is taking to combat the spread of invasive species, visit the Michigan Invasive Species Program web page.  What happens when Marble Lake neighbors get together for a block party? Marblepalooza! 🎶🎉Neighbors along North Lake Side Drive / Wayside Court recently came together for a fun-filled Marblepalooza Block Party enjoying great music, good friends, and plenty of time to celebrate what makes lake living so special.
But this party had an extra special purpose. To help cover the cost of the band, organizers passed the hat and invited neighbors to contribute. Thanks to the generosity of those attending, the contributions exceeded what was needed and the neighbors decided to donate the excess to the Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership. Now THAT is community spirit! Instead of simply having a great party, these neighbors found a way to turn their celebration into an investment in the future of our lakes and watershed. It's a wonderful example of how fundraising for clean water doesn't always have to involve a formal event, a ticket price, or a big campaign. Sometimes, it can be as simple as neighbors getting together, having a great time, and giving what they can to a cause they care about. A huge thank you to organizer Doug Keeslar for bringing everyone together and helping make Marblepalooza such a success — and to all of the neighbors who opened their wallets as well as their hearts to support the Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and your belief in the importance of protecting our lakes. Good friends. Great music. A fantastic party. And a little extra love for our lakes. That's something worth celebrating!
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The newly formed Marble-Coldwater Watershed Management Plan Steering Committee held its first meeting, officially launching an important next step in developing a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Marble-Coldwater watershed. The Steering Committee brings together a diverse group of community members and stakeholders, including lake residents, agricultural interests, local government, conservation representatives, community businesses and organizations, and individuals with technical and scientific expertise. This diversity is intentional and important. A healthy watershed affects many different people, properties, businesses, and organizations, and developing an effective Watershed Management Plan requires understanding those different perspectives. Bringing these voices together helps ensure the plan considers the watershed as a whole and that proposed strategies are practical, balanced, and responsive to local needs. Rather than simply reviewing the planning process, committee members jumped right in and participated in a Watershed Management Plan simulation. The hands-on exercise gave members an opportunity to experience how a watershed management plan is developed, from identifying water-quality concerns and potential sources to considering priorities and possible strategies for addressing them. A special thank you to Erica Anculle of Michigan Sea Grant for facilitating the simulation and helping the committee experience the planning process firsthand. The exercise highlighted the value of bringing different perspectives together to find practical solutions. The simulation also provided an opportunity for committee members to share their knowledge, perspectives, and observations about the Marble-Coldwater watershed. Working through the exercise together demonstrated the value of bringing different viewpoints to the table and considering solutions that are realistic and appropriate for our watershed. The Steering Committee will help guide the development of the Marble-Coldwater Watershed Management Plan by providing local insight, reviewing information, and helping identify priorities and strategies that should be considered as the plan takes shape. The completed plan will serve as a roadmap for protecting and improving water quality and will also position the watershed to pursue future grants and implementation funding. The first meeting was an encouraging start to what will be an important collaborative process. The Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership appreciates the time, expertise, and commitment of the Steering Committee members and looks forward to continuing this work together. And a big shout-out to Tommy’s Express Car Wash for supplying some much-needed pizza to fuel this hardworking committee! Their generous contribution helped keep everyone energized as the committee worked through the evening, and we greatly appreciate their participation and support of the Marble-Coldwater watershed planning effort.  The Keep Coldwater Clear Committee packed the Coldwater Lake Association Building on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as community members gathered to learn more about the current state of Coldwater Lake, the growing threat of invasive aquatic weeds, algae and excess nutrients, strategies for managing them, the Watershed Management Plan, and best practices for riparian residents and lake lovers. Margie Franker, the committee’s inaugural chair, opened the program by welcoming attendees and introducing the morning’s speakers. As Margie transitions into her role as President of the newly established Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership, she will remain involved with the Keep Coldwater Clear Committee while introducing Sara Roper and Kirsten Felts as the committee’s new co-chairs. Sara shared valuable information on current lake conditions and the actions the Coldwater Lake Association takes to help protect and improve the health of Coldwater Lake. Guest speaker Shaun Grace, CISMA Coordinator with the Southern Michigan Invasive Species Team (SMIST) Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), followed with a presentation on aquatic invasive species management. SMIST works to increase awareness of the impacts of invasive species and share effective management techniques with communities throughout Branch, Hillsdale, and St. Joseph Counties. Margie then provided an update on watershed management planning and explained the purpose of the Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to develop a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Marble-Coldwater watershed. The Partnership plans to pursue grant funding to support the plan and future implementation efforts. Margie emphasized that strong local support and fundraising are essential, as grant reviewers look for evidence that the community is invested in protecting its water resources.
The overwhelming attendance and visible support from Coldwater Lake Association Board members further demonstrated how strongly the Association is committed to these efforts and to the long-term health of our lakes. That support is deeply appreciated by the volunteers who are dedicating their time and energy to this important work. The morning was an encouraging reminder that informed, engaged community members, working together, can make a meaningful difference in protecting our water resources. For those who were unable to attend in person, the meeting was also livestreamed and recorded. You can view the recording here. Information provided by Lon Nordeen, MLSA Secretary A major scientific investigation is currently underway in southwest Michigan focused on improving understanding of groundwater resources and subsurface geology using advanced airborne geophysical technology. The study is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, in partnership with the airborne survey company SkyTEM. This initiative is part of the broader Hydrologic Enhancement for Michigan (HEMI) project, which is designed to improve statewide understanding of both groundwater and surface water systems. Purpose of the study Michigan’s water resources are extensive and heavily relied upon for drinking water, agriculture, industry, and ecosystem health. More than 40% of residents depend on groundwater as their primary water source. However, groundwater systems are complex and not fully mapped at high resolution in many areas. This study was developed to address those gaps by combining traditional monitoring networks with modern airborne imaging technology. The primary objectives include:
Airborne electromagnetic surveying At the core of the project is an airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey system mounted on a helicopter. The system is operated by SkyTEM and is designed to measure variations in the Earth’s subsurface electrical properties. The helicopter typically flies at low altitude—about 200 feet above ground—while towing a large hoop-shaped sensor system beneath it. This system transmits rapid electromagnetic pulses into the ground and records how those signals respond as they pass through different materials. Different subsurface materials respond in distinct ways:
What the data provides Once processed, the collected data is used to build high-resolution 3D maps of underground conditions. These models can identify:
Broader HEMI monitoring effort The airborne survey is one component of the larger HEMI initiative, which also includes enhancements to Michigan’s water monitoring systems. Surface water monitoring improvements
Why this work matters The data generated through this study will help answer key questions, including:
Expanding use of airborne geophysics Airborne electromagnetic surveying is not unique to Michigan. Similar studies have been conducted across multiple states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Mississippi, and Wisconsin, as well as internationally. These projects have proven valuable in improving groundwater mapping, environmental assessment, and resource management. Acknowledgment This article is based on information provided by Lon Nordeen, MLSA Secretary, summarizing the ongoing Hydrologic Enhancement for Michigan (HEMI) airborne geophysical and groundwater research program led by USGS and EGLE.  The Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the Matteson Lake Association, the Branch County Conservation District, and all project partners on the approval of the Little Swan Creek Watershed Management Planning Grant.
After four years of persistence and dedication, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has approved a two-year, $85,000 grant to develop a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Little Swan Creek watershed in Branch and St. Joseph counties. This achievement represents a major milestone not only for Matteson Lake and Little Swan Creek, but also for watershed protection efforts throughout our region. Once the watershed management plan is completed and approved, the project partners will become eligible to pursue larger implementation grants aimed at improving and protecting local water quality. The project is truly a collaborative community effort. The Branch County Conservation District will serve as the lead agency, while the Matteson Lake Association and numerous regional partners will contribute volunteer support, water quality monitoring, stakeholder engagement, mapping, environmental analysis, and watershed planning expertise. Additional partners include:
Many of these organizations are also valued partners and stakeholders within the Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership, further highlighting the strong regional collaboration and shared commitment to protecting and improving water quality across our watersheds. The Matteson Lake Association and Colon Township Lake Board also committed significant matching funds to support expanded sampling and consulting efforts, demonstrating an impressive local commitment to clean water protection. We also applaud the Matteson Lake Association’s continued engagement with the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA), where members recently attended the organization’s annual conference to strengthen their knowledge in areas including shoreline habitats, invasive species, nutrient loading, aquatic plants, and watershed management strategies. Members of the Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership Board also attended the conference, providing another valuable opportunity to learn, collaborate, and exchange ideas with lake and watershed organizations from across Michigan. The Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership is especially grateful that representatives from the Matteson Lake Association will be meeting with our organization later this month to share their experiences, lessons learned, and insights into the EGLE grant process. Their willingness to help other watershed organizations navigate the challenges and opportunities of watershed planning speaks volumes about their leadership and commitment to protecting Michigan’s waters. Congratulations again on this well-earned achievement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have for years to come. — Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership Spring Phosphorus Loading As winter gives way to spring, melting snow and seasonal rainfall reconnect the surrounding landscape with nearby lakes and streams. During this time, nutrients that have accumulated across the watershed—especially phosphorus—are transported into surface waters through runoff and drainage pathways. This process, known as external loading, is a major driver of nutrient buildup in lakes. Sources of phosphorus include fertilizers, soil erosion, stormwater runoff, septic systems, and organic material entering waterways. While spring runoff introduces new phosphorus each year, many lakes also contain significant amounts of “legacy” phosphorus that have built up in sediments over decades.  Internal Phosphorus Loading Once phosphorus enters a lake, much of it settles to the bottom and becomes part of the sediment through the breakdown of aquatic plants, algae, and other organic matter. Over time, this creates a long-term reservoir of phosphorus within the lakebed. During the summer months, many lakes form distinct layers, with warmer water at the surface and colder water near the bottom. This layering limits mixing and reduces the amount of oxygen reaching deeper waters. As oxygen levels decline near the lake bottom, conditions can become hypoxic or anoxic. Under these low-oxygen conditions, phosphorus that was previously bound in the sediments can be released back into the water column. This process, known as internal loading, makes phosphorus available again for algae and cyanobacteria growth. As a result, lakes with a history of phosphorus accumulation may continue to experience water quality problems, even if new phosphorus inputs are reduced. Why This Is a Concern Excess phosphorus can lead to eutrophication, a process characterized by excessive algae growth and declining water quality. In some cases, these conditions can support harmful algal blooms that produce toxins such as microcystin. These blooms can impact recreational use, create unpleasant conditions, and pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife. Additionally, increased algae growth and decomposition can reduce oxygen levels in the water, placing stress on fish and other aquatic organisms and disrupting the overall balance of the ecosystem. What You Can Do: Protecting Our Lakes Starts at Home
While spring runoff is a natural process, the amount of phosphorus entering our lakes is heavily influenced by everyday activities across the watershed. Small changes in how we manage our properties can make a meaningful difference in reducing nutrient pollution. Simple practices—like minimizing fertilizer use, maintaining healthy shoreline vegetation, managing yard waste properly, and ensuring septic systems are functioning correctly—can all help limit the amount of phosphorus that reaches our waterways. Reducing soil erosion and slowing stormwater runoff are also key steps in keeping nutrients on land and out of the lake. Because everyone in the watershed plays a role, collective action is one of the most effective ways to protect water quality. To learn more about practical steps you can take, visit our Best Practices page for guidance, tips, and resources to help protect and improve our lakes.  The 2026 lake monitoring season is officially underway across the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes, marking the start of tracking water quality and lake health.
Volunteer Jack Sanderson of Coldwater Lake recently kicked off the effort by paddling nearly eight miles round trip to collect water samples from the deep basin of Coldwater Lake. Heading out early last week, Jack was able to beat the high winds that moved in later in the week. The samples will be analyzed for phosphorus levels, a key nutrient that can influence algae growth and overall lake health. These early spring samples are collected as part of the Michigan Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP). Spring sampling is especially important because it measures phosphorus concentrations before summer algae growth begins, helping scientists and lake managers understand nutrient levels and track long-term trends. This same testing effort is underway on several other lakes in the chain, including First, Marble, Archer, Bartholomew, Mud, and Long Lakes. Sampling on those lakes is being coordinated by volunteer Greg Cavey, who is leading the monitoring effort with volunteers on each lake. While volunteers on those lakes were prepared to collect samples over the weekend, strong winds and rough water conditions delayed their monitoring efforts. Volunteer lake monitoring provides critical data that supports ongoing water quality protection efforts and helps guide future watershed management planning for the entire chain of lakes. A great big THANK YOU to these volunteers!     The Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership is an independent nonprofit corporation formed to protect and preserve the water quality of the Marble–Coldwater Chain through science-based planning and coordinated community action.
Protecting a watershed requires cooperation. Water does not recognize property lines or association boundaries. For that reason, the Clean Water Partnership works in coordination with local lake associations, government partners, and community stakeholders to advance long-term protection strategies for the entire chain. Our Purpose Our purpose is to develop and implement a comprehensive, science-based Watershed Management Plan that safeguards water quality, protects aquatic habitat, supports property values, and preserves the long-term health of our lakes. This watershed plan will serve as a roadmap. It will:
How We Are Funded The Marble-Coldwater Clean Water Partnership is funded solely through voluntary contributions. We are not a membership organization and do not collect dues. Our work depends entirely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations who believe in protecting the lakes we all share. We will be applying for grants to support implementation projects. However, grants require preparation — technical studies, watershed analysis, data collection, and matching funds. Before we can secure outside funding, we must first raise the funds necessary to prepare strong, competitive grant applications. Local investment today positions us for larger funding opportunities tomorrow. Working Alongside Our Lake Associations Two key community partners in this effort are:
If you are not already a member of one of these associations, we encourage you to visit their websites and consider joining:
Stronger Together The Clean Water Partnership focuses specifically on watershed-level planning and long-term water quality protection — work that benefits every resident, visitor, and property owner across the Marble–Coldwater Chain. Clean water requires planning, collaboration, and community investment. Together, we can protect what makes our lakes so special — today and for generations to come. |
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